Attacking Another (Smaller) Home Renovation Project

February 17, 2016 /

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Our existing kitchen will be a work in progress in a matter of weeks.

This morning I met with our wonderful contractor, Rick Cole, and his son Justin, about what I hope will be the final round of our home improvements (my husband is hoping so, too). After finishing the basement and making it our recreation room, completing an exterior overhaul, constructing the addition of a large porch, and topping it all off with landscaping, one would think it’s over. However, the kitchen is the last part of the plan, and while its bones are actually quite good, we have a need for a little more storage and an additional serving area. Thus, here we go again.

As with the other projects we’ve pursued in this home, the ability to pin ideas from Pinterest helps make the project go so much more smoothly. I’ve been able to garner ideas from the site and then use it to show both our kitchen designer, Debbie Wilde at Kitchen Concepts in Annapolis, and Rick and Justin. So many great ideas have come from this process.

While the actual building in the kitchen hasn’t take place yet, I’m sharing the process of going from “idea” to “implementation” for the kitchen. In keeping with our cottage style home, I’ve posted the inspiration photo along with the existing space as is and described what will be done to it. I will post photos later during and after the process.

What’s most fun about these projects is seeing how your choices go from concept (showroom or store or internet) to implementation as they become a part of your home. I’m excited to see the new personality of the kitchen and dining area come to life.

The piece will be built in this existing area where this black cabinet is. This cabinet will be relocated to the spot next to the French doors that lead to the porch.
OUR EXISTING SPACE—The piece will be built in this existing area where this black cabinet is. This cabinet will be relocated to the spot next to the French doors that lead to the porch.
The black glass cabinet will move to the area where the ladder shelf is and the ladder shelf will relocate to the family room or basement. Not sure yet...
OUR EXISTING SPACE—The black glass cabinet will move to the area where the ladder shelf is and the ladder shelf will relocate to the family room or basement. Not sure yet…
The view from the porch looking into the dining area. I cannot wait for spring...
OUR EXISTING SPACE—The view from the porch looking into the dining area. I cannot wait for spring…and maybe to seeing that cabinet in another color.
As you can see here, the microwave is over the oven; it is not ideal. The microwave will be replaced with a stainless steel hood.
OUR SPACE—As you can see here, the microwave is over the oven; it is not ideal. The microwave will be replaced with a stainless steel hood.
The countertops will be LG Minuet with a stainless steel undermount sink.
OUR SPACE—The countertops will be LG Minuet with a stainless steel undermount sink.

Inspiration Photo #4: Turquoise Cabinet

OUR SPACE—While the red hutch is very pretty, I think turning into a pretty turquoise is going to look great in the room. With colors such as grey, white, and black to anchor the room, a pop of turquoise may be just what the Kitchen Renovation Doctor ordered.
OUR SPACE—While the red hutch is very pretty, I think turning into a pretty turquoise is going to look great in the room. With colors such as grey, white, and black to anchor the room, a pop of turquoise may be just what the Kitchen Renovation Doctor ordered. The green hutch will be painted white and be relocated to our upstairs hallway to serve as additional storage for towels, blankets, sheets, and accessories.
We selected this crystal and glass backsplash from Lowe's. The smaller tiles appeal to us, and we love the mixture of pieces in it. (My kids are holding it up for the photo...thanks, loves).
WHAT WE’VE PICKED—We selected this crystal and glass backsplash from Lowe’s. The smaller tiles appeal to us, and we love the mixture of pieces in it. (My kids are holding it up for the photo…thanks, loves).

So…I figured I’ve documented the other projects we’ve done, why not document this too. Looking forward to the improvements, though not at all looking forward to the mess.

It’ll be fine…I’ll let you know how it all turns out.

…

To see the finished product, click here for the blog post.

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6 Comments

    • Sparkle at Steph's Scribe

      February 17, 2016 at 7:43 pm Reply

      Thank you. There are so many great Instagram bloggers out there too who have inspired me and I neglected to write about that. Perhaps in my next update. Good luck with your renovation. It is a lot of fun to watch it all come together. This will be our second one we have tackled; in our previous home we improved the kitchen, and now we are doing it again (we must be crazy). Thanks for the comment!

      • ashleyomelia

        February 17, 2016 at 8:02 pm

        We haven’t done a whole lot with this house yet, but the kitchen and one of the bathrooms are a must! I’m looking forward to the results. ..someday! 🙂

      • Sparkle at Steph's Scribe

        February 17, 2016 at 8:04 pm

        You have to check out what this woman did to her kitchen on Instagram at Dreamy Whites Lifestyle. Her kitchen was PINK. I mean…pink…very dated, and what they have done to it is truly inspiring. I’ve been following along as she has renovated. Let’s just say I have kitchen envy. 😉

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